Benefits Of Custard Apple

• Custard apple is a storehouse of Vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant and helps in neutralizing free radicals.
• The Vitamin A present in the fruit, is good for hair, eyes and healthy skin.
• Custard apple contains magnesium, which plays a vital role in relaxing muscles and protecting the heart against diseases.
• Potassium and Vitamin B6 are also present in the custard apple.
• It is a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps in digestion.
• As it contains low fat levels, it is good for maintaining optimum health.
• The paste of the flesh of the fruit can be used for the local application of ulcers, inflammations, burns and boils.
• The fruit, in its unripe form, can be dried, crushed and used for treating diarrhea and dysentery.
• Custard apple serves as an expectorant, stimulant, coolant and hematinic and is even useful in treating anemia.
• The seeds of the fruit have insecticidal and abortifacient properties.
• The fruit is high in magnesium, which equalizes the water balance in our body and helps remove acids from the joints. This in turn, reduces symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.
• The bark of the custard apple tree, which contains astringents and tannins, is used in preparing herbal medicines. Its leaves are known to treat cancer and tumors, while the bark is capable of relieving toothaches and gum pain.
• For a person whose blood pressure fluctuates a lot, regular consumption of custard apple can help keep it under control.
• People who are underweight should have custard apple as the sugar fibers in them make the making metabolic system more efficient which increases the appetite. So, eating custard apples is an ideal way to put on a few kilos.
• The presence of copper helps in the formation of hemoglobin.
• Dried and powdered custard apples can be applied on the scalp to treat lice.
• Custard apples are rich in iron, calcium, niacin and are a source of high calories.

Buying & Storing Tips

• Look for custard apples which are firm (not hard) and are free of blemishes. Also, they should not have any press marks.
• The color of the fruit should be brownish green or brown but not black.
• Avoid buying smaller custard apples as they are generally unripe. Instead of buying them in packets, buy single fruits for maximum freshness.
• It is recommended to consume the custard apples soon after buying. In case you store them, place them in a plastic bag/zip lock bag and keep them in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for around 2-3 days.
• If some of the fruits are not yet ripe, to quicken the ripening process, place them in a brown paper bag, along with one or two bananas. This way, the custard apple stays fresh longer.

• One can earn all the nutritional benefits of custard apple by having the fruit when it’s ripe.
• Custard apple milk shake is also another option and tastes good.
• Chunks of custard apple can be included in a fruit salad.
• Puree, made from the pulp of custard apple, is used for flavoring mousses, fruit soufflés and compotes etc.
• The fruit can be used to make syrups, squashes, jams and marmalades along with some other fruits.
• Custard apple pies, ice creams and cakes are very common confectionaries. The recipes are simple and can be made at home.
• Another way of relishing the fruit is to make a cream out of it. It is very easy and doesn’t require much effort.